While coming from Poonamalle, after QueensLand Theme park, at about 2.5 kms from QueensLand, you have to turn right here (Wikimapia Location). This road will lead to Mappedu – Perambakkam. There are other routes to Mappedu from Sriperumpudhur and Sunguvar Chathram also.

Pushpa Kujambal Udanurai Singeeswarar Temple at Mappedu

This is a recently renovated ancient temple and is a special temple for people born in ‘moolam’ star. There is an idol of Sri Anjaneya in front of Lord Shiva shrine playing the Veena. Those aspiring skill in music pray to Him.

The temple is situated almost at the source of the Cooum with its sparkling, clear waters. While coming from Mappedu en route Perambakkam, at about 4 kms from Mappedu, after the Kalaimagal College of Engg at right side, you have to take a left turn to reach Coovum. If coming from Sunguvarchathiram through Sogandi, Maduramangalam, Ekanapuram and Sellampattidai, it would have to be a jeep ride over non-existent village roads.

Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Tripuranthakar & Thirupurasundari ammai.Significance: One of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams; This is the “Agni” sthalam of the Panch Bootha Sthalams around Chennai.Legend: When Shiva decided to destroy the demons Thirupurasuran, Kamalakshan and Vidunmali, the world turned into a chariot and Surya Chandra as saradhi, Devas as wheels, Meru as bow, and Vasuki as arrow and Agni as tip of arrow. It was at this place the axle broke because they forgot to worship Ganesha before commencing. They realised their mistake and worshipped Ganesha for success in their mission. Utsavar idol of Shiva here is with bow and arrow.Temple: Shiva linga here is known as ‘theendaa thiru meniar’ so that the linga is always covered by kavacham. Even Sivachariars are not allowed to touch. Sambandhar in his hymns about the Shiva here says that linga changes its colour when it is going to rain heavily, and to red colour before the break of war as an indication.Theertham: Kuvagni teertham.Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam.

This Narasingapuram is said to be a great sthalam for all the prarthanais and the Perumal is said to be “Varapprasadhi” (gives us whatever the varam (boon) we ask for). This was once in a dilapidated condition but has been renovated now and wears a new look. The Kumbabhisheham took place recently.

Coovum temple and this temple are situated on the opposite banks of the Coovum lake, 7 kms apart on the road side but 3 kms apart across the Cooum lake with its sparkling, clear waters (remember Coovum is a river and this is the source!).

Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Arambeswarar with Goddess Kanaka Kujambikai.Significance: One of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.Legend: Shiva at Elimiankottur is said to have been worshipped by the celestial nymph Rambai and hence the name Arambayamkottur, which over a period of time became Ilambayankottur. Legend also has it that Chandra worshipped Shiva here.Theertham: Chandra theerthamSthala Vruksham: Vilvam.Timings: 7 AM to 12 noon & 4 – 7 PM

Significance: One of the 275 ‘Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams’.Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Thiruvooral Mahadevar/ Jalanatheswarar with Goddess Girija Kannikamba.Location: It is situated 30km north of Kanchi and 12 km south of Arakonam. On the Chennai-Bangalore highway, at Kanchipuram take right to the Kanchipuram-Arakonam main road. Proceed further for another 10-11 kms to reach Thakkolam railway station. Turn right and proceed further for another 6kms to reach the temple. Also you can go via Perambakkam.Legend: At the behest of Sage Uthandi, Nandhi devar brought river Ganges to this place. Water is coming out of Nandhi devar‘s mouth and springs out near the feet of Shiva and hence the name Thiru vooral. Kamadenu, Chandra, Yama, Surya, Vishnu & Saptha kanniyar worshipped Shiva here.Theertham: Parvathi teertham, Sathya gangai and Kusasthala river.Sthala vruksham: ThakkolamTiming: 7AM to 12 noon & 4 to 9 PM

This village is about 8 – 9 Kms away from Kanchipuram and is the birth place of Koorathazhwar, A.D 1008. The moolavar of the temple here is Sri Aadhi Kesava Perumal in Nindra thirukKolam. Koorathazhwar is the prime disciple of Sri Ramanujar and lost his eyes in an act to protect Ramanujar from the fanatics. It is said that Ramar took birth as Koorathazhwar to serve Ramanujar who was nothing but Lakshmana as a gratitude to all the services rendered by Lakshmana to Rama.

Significance: Dakshinamoorthy, as Yoga guru, is special here. One of the highly popular Dakshinamoorthy sthalams of Tamilnadu.Location: Govindavadi is near Agaram on the Kanchi-Arakkonam route, 1.5 km from the Kammavarpet railway gate; 12 kms from Kancheepuram, towards Arakonam.Main deity:KailasanadharLegend: Govindaraja perumal stayed at Govindavadi with Sridevi and Boodevi, worshipped Shiva daily at Tirumalper after taking bath at Palar. Since Govindaraja Perumal stayed, the place is called Govindavadi.Temple: Every Thursday is very special here.

Significance: One of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra sthalamsMain deity: Thiru Manikandeeswarar and Goddess Anjanakshi ammai in separate shrinesLocation: 12 kms from Kancheepuram. In the Kanchi-Arakkonam route, take a diversion to go through Pallur. Thirumalpoor station is also there in the Kanchi-Arakkonam rail route. The temple is 5 kms from the station.Theertham: Cheyyar theertham.Sthala vruksham: Vilvam.Legend: Vishnu is said to have been blessed with his Chakrayudam upon worshipping Shiva here – hence the name Tirumalper or Harichakrapuram. Once Lord Vishnu lost his Chakrayudha when he applied it against Sage Thadisi since it will not be of any use against sages. On knowing that Shiva can give a Sudharshana Chakra he started praying to Shiva with 1000 flowers daily. One day Shiva wanted to test him by hiding one flower. Vishnu, on coming to know at the end of the Pooja that he is short of one flower, immediately plucked his eye, offered it and finsished the pooja. Shiva was very pleased and offered him the Sudharshana Chakra.Temple: Dwarabalaka are huge in size. There are some unusual postures of Gods like Nandhikeswarar in standing posture; Vinayahar with ten hands as ‘Vallabha Vinayakar'; Durga devi with 8 hands; Vishnu in standing posture with both hands together. The Utsava vigraha is with flower in one hand and an eye in the other hand. Pooja is done without touching the deity since Shiva here is ‘theendaa thirumeny nadhar’ with kavacham always.

This village, located at 2 kms west of Thirumalper, was donated by Arcot Nawab in 17th Century to one Sooryanarayana Poundarika Yaji for showing moon on a new moon day by virtue of his yagna power. Shri Sooryanarayana Poundarika Yaji, being childless, divided this village into 32 parts and donated them to 32 Telugu Mulakanadu Brahmin families. This village was known for its vedic excellence and many veda pandits born in this village. Kanchi Mahaswami used to visit this village and stay here for many days.

This is a highly popular spiritual place. The smallest and youngest God in the whole world is NEMILI SRI BALA with the size of the little finger. Sri Bala Peetam is not a Temple but a small house where Sri Bala decided to stay. She came by the river and made the house she resided in to a temple some 150 years ago.

Around 10 kms from Arakkonam en route Thakkolam. Since Mahavishnu worshipped Shiva here, the Shiva is called Thirumaaleeswarar. In the Srinivasar shrine, the vigraham of Srinivasar is considered equivalent to the Navabashana idol. During the milk abhishegam, the milk appears blue when it crosses the chest of the Lord Srinivasar. He is considered the form of Dhanvanthri, the lord of medicine. Any type is disease is said to be cured when one drinks the milk of the milk abhishegam fora continuous 11 Ekadasi days or Saturdays.

Arakkonam – Sholingur

Sholingur

Sholingar or Chozhasimhapuram, one of the 108 Divyadesams is a very popular place. It is located at 27 km from Arakonam and 27 km from Thiruthani. It is known as Gadikachalam as the stay in this place for one Gadigai (one hour), gives salvation for all. There are two hill temples, Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami on the bigger of the two hills, and Sri Anjaneya on the other. During the Tamil month of Karthigai, especially on Sundays, lakhs of pilgrims throng the place.

Lord Santhana Venugopalan (Krishna) temple at Nimishachalam Santhana Venugopalapuram (called as Nimbaka Kshethram in the past), shortly known as S.V.G. Puram, a few kilometres south-east of Sholingur, on the road to Tiruttani, is equally venerable to Sholingur and it is known as Nimishachalam. The stay in this place for one minute confers many benefits including eternal bliss for the devout public.

Kaveripakkam is a place in the Chennai – Bangalore highway between Kanchipuram and Wallajapet, 97 km from Chennai. It is well known for its lake which is the biggest in this district. It was built by King Nandivarman III of Pallava dynasty (8th Century AD). The length of the bund is 8.35 km

Kaveripakkam

The ancient temples at Kaveripakkam were visited by Sri Ramana Maharishi and Seshadhri Maharishi for many days

1) Muktheeswarar Temple

This is the main shiva temple of Kaveripakkam. Muktheeswarar as Swayambu lingam is facing east; Ambal is facing south.

Location: The temple is on the highway itself at Kaveripakkam.Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Pancha lingaeswara and ambal is Kamakshi.Legend: This is a very important temple by legend since the pancha lingas were made by Kamakshi representing pancha boodha and worshipped here before starting her severe penance near Kamba river.

Location: Gnanamalai temple is located in a small village called Govindacheri, in the Kaverippakkam – Sholinger road at 13 km from Kaveripakkam.Temple: This 700 years old Murugan temple on a small hillock, surrounded by lake and fertile plains, was discovered in 1998 and there were no proper steps when discovered. Now, with the dedication of the Jnanasramam trust, proper steps have been built to the hilltop. This small temple is in typical Pallava style with a small sanctum and a mandapam. The Lord is in the form Brahmasasta having rosary and kamandala in two hands. The other two hands are in abhaya mudra and resting upon the hip. Generally in Thondai Mandalam (north Tamil Nadu) Pallava and early Chola images conform to this Brahmasasta form. Near the temple there is a small natural water source from which water is brought for temple services.

Mahendravadi is about 20 km to the north of Kaveripakkam/ Panapakkam. The cave temple here, maintained by Archeological Society of India, belongs to the period of Pallava King, Mahendra Varman I (AD 580-630). According to the inscriptions, this was excavated by Gunabhara on the bund of a large tank called Mahendra thataka in the city of Mahendrapura. The cave temple is formed by completely scooping out a large free standing boulder. The sanctum sanctorum houses an image of Lord Narsimha.

In Mahendravadi, the main deity is Dhramalingeswar and there other four lingams worshipped by the other four Pandavas.

The birth place of Mudhali Andan Swamigal, a great disciple of Sri Ramanujar. Mudhali Andal Swamigal installed Ramanujar’s statue at Sriperumpudur, the birth place of Sri Ramanujar with the blessings of Sri Ramanujar.

Thirumazhisai is a small town at 5 kms from Poonamallee on the Chennai-Poonamalle – Thiruthani (Thirupathi) highway. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and two to Lord Vishnu, very near to each other, all dating to the Chola period.

1) Jagannatha Perumal Temple

This temple comes on the left side of the highway when we go from Chennai. Thirumazhisai is the birth place of Thirumazhisai Azhwar and there is a separate sannidhi for Thirmazhisai Azhwar in this temple. This temple is one of the three Jagannatha Kshetrams and is referred as Madhya Jagannatha Kshetram. Puri is the Uthra Jagannatha Kshetram and Thirupullani near Rameswaram is the Dakshina Jagannatha Kshetram.

Apart from the popular Jagannatha Perumal temple, this temple has Perumal in a rare sitting posture with His consort Sri Shenbagavalli Thayar. Here Lord Vishnu grants darsan with Ashtalakshmis – four Lakshmis on the crown on all four sides, two Lakshmis i.e Sridevi And Bhudevi on either side.
Adjoining the main shrine in the temple, there is a newly-built shrine for Vinaya Anjaneya Swamy facing the north; he is called Varahamukha. This Anjaneya is a varaprasadi who fulfills the wishes of devotees.
At the entrance to the main temple stands a tall idol of Anjaneya Swamy carrying the Sanjeevi Parvatham.

This temple is located right on the main road to the right side when we go from Chennai. Once when King Kulothunga Chola was on his way, he found a creeper blocking his way and cut it with his sword. He saw bloodstains in his sword and when he removed the creeper, there was a siva lingam with blood oozing from it. The repentant king cut his arm, and then the Lord appeared before him and restored his hand. The king built a temple at that place and hailed the Lord as “Kai Thantha Piran”. It is believed that people who are left helpless in life, when prayed to lord here gets a helping hand from Him, for sure. There is a beautiful big and clean temple tank which will easily tempt people to take a holy bath.

Further after Thirumazhisai towards Thiruvallur, at Vellavedu, 3 kms from Thirumazhisai, just before the road bridge, you have to turn right (North) and travel further for 3 kms to reach Sithukkadu. The place was called Siddharkadu and became Sithukadu. There are two ancient temples here which are very rich in art, culture and heritage.

1) Poonkuzhali amman samedha Nelli appar swamy Shiva temple

This ancient temple of Shiva has many carvings of various Siddhars in the mandapam supporting the fact that this temple is being worshipped by Siddhars. Parihara temple for people born in ‘Swathi’ star.

Just at the back of the Shiva temple, this is located. The main deity is Lord Sundararajan. A small and beautiful idol with ubhaya nachimars.
GARUDAKODI SITHAR in one of the pillars of the front mandapam of Andal shrine is of great significance here. He is sitting in rare posture having a jar (like kamandalam) in one hand and holding a creeper called garudakodi. It is believed that a prayer to this Garudakodi sithar will cure all eye related problems.
There are nearly 14 types of sri Narasimhar throughout the temple mandapam. Narasimhar in a standing posture is very attractive and graceful.

Travel further for about 7 kms from Nemam and just opposite the Kingfisher factory, turn left (south) for another 1 km to reach the temple.

This is an ancient temple with a significant legend under renovation. There are some special deities here. When I went during noon on a pradhosha day, the shrines were beautifully lit with deepams and decorated with kolams in spite of the fact that the pradhosha abhishgams were not taking place because the balalayam has been done. It appears that the temple is in a safe hand of sincere people. The renovation is taking place in a snail’s pace due to paucity of funds. The temple can be visited at any time (hopefully) since the people in charge are living just next to the temple.

Significance: One of the 108 Divya desamsLocation: Around 40 km from ChennaiMain deity: Sri Veeraraghava perumal in sleeping posture with Kanakavalli Thayar in separate shrines.Legend: When Sage Saalihothra was penancing here, Vishnu in the form of an old man visited him and had lunch with him and after lunch he asked the Sage where to take a nap. ‘Evvul’ means ‘where’ and so this place was initially called Thiru Evvul and later Thuruvallur. Saalihithrar showed him the Parnasala (Kutil) where he rested and gave dharshan to the Sage.Temple: Veeragava perumal is seen in a resting posture keeping his hand on the head of Sage Saalihothra. There other deities present are Vinayakar, Gopalan, Desikar, Andal, Lakshmi narashimar, Sudarshanar, Ananthan and Azhwar. This place is known as Punyavarthi kshetram. Everyone who worships here get their good deeds multiply and bad deeds waived off. The Perumal here is also known as Vaidya Veeraragava perumal. Once Vallalar Ramalinga Swamigal was suffering from severe stomach pain and he came here and got his pain relieved off. He sang 5 songs on this Perumal.Theertham: Hruth-thapa-nasini pushkarani. Taking a dip here removes all wrong lusts arising from the heart (Hruth meaning heart; thapa meaning lust) and the sins. The pushkarani has significance that this was present even before the temple. One who takes a dip in the pushkarani is relieved of all ailments.

This ancient temple is in a beautiful location. An ancient Shiva temple, more than 1000 years old, with Square avudayar (linga base) which are considered very special. Also the lingam changes colours now and then; No clear time period when they will change colour and how long they will persist. Sometimes it persists for many days and some times many months also.

One of the major hubs for the nearby villages. Kadambathur has lot of ancient monuments like temples in its surrounding villages which depicts Cholas and Pallavas creative skills. 5 Miles from Kadambattur is situtated Sri Krishna Anjaneya Raghavendra Swami Temple, which is a Dakshin Mantralaya.

Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymnsLocation: In the Chennai – Arakonam route the temple is at 3 km from Kadambathur, 5 km west of Thiruvallur. There is a rail station at Kadambathur.Main deity: Arulmigu Pasoor nadhar with Goddess Pasupathi nayaki.Legend: Parvathi devi worshipped Shiva here and got the left side of Shiva to reside. Vishnu worshipped Shiva here to get rid of his sin of ‘Madhukaitapa vadham’ and was blessed by Shiva. Sun God and Moon God worshipped Shiva.Temple: There are 16 Ganapathies representing shodasa Ganapathy. Shiva linga here is known as ‘theendaa thiru meniar’ so that the linga is always covered by kavacham. Even Sivachariars are not allowed to touch.Theertham: Chozha teertham.Sthala Vruksham: Bamboo.

Location: Located at 15 km from Thiruvellore en route to Arakonam. There is Thiruvalankadu station in the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and the temple is located at 5 km north east to the station. (There is another Thiruvalangadu, with its Sanskrit name, Vata-Aranyeswaram, situated to the north-east of Thiruvavaduthurai on the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam road. So don’t get confused between the two).Significance: One of 275 sacred Temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; one of the five places where Lord Shiva (Natarajar) danced against Kali.Main deity: Arulmigu Devarsinga peruman with Goddess Vandar kuzhali ammai in separate shrinesLegend: This is one of the five places where Shiva danced his cosmic dance; the type of stage here is Rudy and the type of dance being ‘Urthuva Thandavam’. The other four places are: Chidambaram (gold), Madurai (silver), Tirunelveli (copper) and Kutralam (picture). Lord Shiva danced here for His great devotee, Kaaraikal Ammaiyar. While she was coming here to see His dance, Shiva lingam started appearing wherever she put her foot. So she came by walking through her head, had the dance dharshan and attained salvation. Legend also has it that 70 Vellarars took ‘firebath’ here in order to keep up their words and Shiva gave salvation for all of them. This is considered a place to attain salvation and a bath at the Mukthi Theertham here is said to give salvation.

Temple: There are 3 important landmarks here – Shiva temple, Mukthi Theertham and Vada Badhrakali temple. The worship procedure is to take bath at the Mukthi Theertham, worship Kali first and then Shiva.Theertham: Mukthi teertham.Sthala Viruksham: Jack fruit

It is located one mile east of Thiruvalankadu. The village is associated with the famous legend ‘Pazhayanur Neeli Kanner (false tears)’. 79 Vellalar community self immolated themselves in front of the Sakshinathar temple here in order to keep up their promise they gave to Neeli.

This is a beautiful village of many temples which have been built with perfect alignment as mentioned in the aagama sastras (Karshanathi, Prathishtandham, Prathishtandhi, Uthsavandham and Uthsavandhi)

Shiva temple is built in Eashanya

Vijayaraghava Perumal temple in Niruthi moola

Sakthi Ganapthi temple facing north and

Kandhaswami temple facing east

Thirunandheeswarar Temple

It is inferred that Lord Shiva after his celestial dance performance in Thiruvalangadu, gave darshan to Agasthiar in marriage posture along with His consort Anandavalli and hence the name of the village Manavur.

Significances:

1200 years old temple

Nandhi Baghavan and Sage Agasthiar had worshipped here

Inscriptions found in Koovam and Thakkolam temples talks about the glory of this temple

A unique urchava moorthi statue of Sri Kannapa Nayanar, who donated his eye to lord shiva, relates his connection to this temple.

This ancient Ramar temple is located at a village called Nedunparam just before Arcot Kuppam while going from Thiruvallur

Murugan Temple at Thiruthani

Significance: A highly popular temple and one of the 6 important places of Lord Subramanya known as ‘Padaiveedu’ .Main deity: Subramanya swamy Valli Devasena in different sanctum.Temple: The temple is on a hillock. There are 365 steps to climb and also a motorable road. This is the place where Murugan married Valli.

Nemili is lLocated 11kms from Tiruttani on the Nagalapuram highway and this temple was built by Pallava King Aparajitha Varma.

The legend goes that the Lord in a sitting posture blocked with his back the Eri that had broken open, thus preventing the village from being submerged. Hence, the Moolavar Lord is also referred to as Eri Kaatha Vaikunta Vasa Perumal. It is believed that Ramanuja visited this temple and stayed here on his way from Sriperumbudur to Tirupathi. Hence, this is also said to be an Abhimana Sthalam.

Specialities:

Parikara Sthalam for Rahu-Kethu Dosham

Parikara Sthalam for Unmarried and the childless-

The unmarried can bring 2 flower garlands and place one on the Utsava deity Nithya Kalyana Perumal. Sincere prayers are said to be answered within three months of placing the garland around the Lord.

Rohini Star is a special day at this temple every month

The temple which is under the administration of Tiruttani HR & CE is planning for a Raja Gopuram to be built.

At Pondawakkam we have to take a right turn and travel atleast 10km. Once you reach VADATHILLAI take a left turn and travel further to reach the temple. There is an another route to reach this temple from Mambakkam.

The Moolavar is a gigantic sivalingam.

Sri Ramanujar’s brother was a Shaiva follwer and he was gifted with a sivalinga when he took a holy dip at Ganges at Kasi. This lingam can be seen here.

Conatct: Shanmuga gurukal (living next to the temple) 9445296096..

Note: On the way to this temple you can also see a new Shiva temple at Pareetiwakkam.

Located 3kms North of Avadi Railway Station in Kovil Pathagai is the Sundara Raja Perumal temple, believed to date back 750years.

The temple has two moolavar deities and where two rishis performed penance and were provided darshan by two different forms of Vishnu.

Brigu Maha Rishi is believed to have undertaken penance at this place and got the dharshan of Sundara Raja Perumal in sitting posture; the Lord stayed here as per the wishes of the rishi.

Vaikunta Natha Perumal, believed to be the original presiding deity at this temple, provided darshan to Markandeya Maha rishi who is seen alongside the west facing Lord Vaikuntanathan. Opposite Vaikuntanathan is the Ashta Naga Garuda in a sitting posture.

Centuries ago, there was a chariot here at the temple and the Lord is believed to have undertaken processions sitting atop the chariot.

One of the 275 Thevara Padal petra sthalams. The temple was initially built in imagination itself by Poosalar Nayanar, one of the 63 nayanmars. He had fixed the date for the kumbabhishegam also by imagination. On the same day, the kumbabhishegam for the Kailasanathar temple at Kanchipuram, a real one by the Pallava king Rajasimha, was also fixed. But the Lord preferred to give importance to this imaginary temple and asked the king to postpone his temple event. The King then knowing the love of the nayanar to the Lord, constructed this temple 1300 years ago. The Lord is called Hrudhayaeswarar because the temple was built in his heart by the Nayanar. It is said that the cardiac ailments of people are getting cured by worshipping here.

A very popular and powerful Amman temple. While going by train (Chennai – Thiruvallur) you have to get down at Putlur Railway station and while going by Bus (Avadi – Thiruvallur), you can get down near the temple at Ramavaram village. The main deity is the Swayambu sand putru in the form of Goddess lying in a resting pose. The putru was discovered when an old farmer Ponmeni was tortured by a Village bad guy called Mahisuran and was ordered to plough a rocky place overnight in order to pay off his debt. While doing so, blood oozed out from the putru and the Amman showed herself to the world.

11 km from Thiruthani on the road to Nagalapuram in the Thiruthani-Nindra-Pichatoor routeand 3 km from Nallattur, Nemili, is famous for its ancient temples. (Don’t confuse this with the other Nemili which is famous for Bala temple)

This temple is located at Maddur near Thiruthani and is linked to the Murugan temple at Thiruthani by legend. The main deity, Mahishasura Madhini, is about 10 feet height and the temple has a neem tree whose leaves are said to be sweet.

This ancient and popular temple, connected with the Pradhosha legend, is located at 2 kms from Uthukottai in the Chennai-Pariyapalayam-Tirupati route in Andhra Pradesh state, just across the Tamilnadu border.

The Shiva temple is quite unique here. Usually Lord Shiva is seen only in the form of a Linga but here He is seen in human form and that too in the reclining pose on the lap of Goddess Parvathi like Vishnu Ananthasayana. Per Legend, Pradosham has started here. The temple has been renovated beautifully. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Tatpurusha face of Lord Shiva.

This temple, a specimen of the Vijayanagara style, was built by Krishna dev raya at the behest of his mother. The main deity is the Matsyavatara form of Vishnu accompanied by Sri devi and Bhu devi on either side. Sun worship is an important aspect in this temple. Every year in the month of March, the rays of sun passes through the Gopuram entrance for three days and fall on the main deity.
Contact Ph: 08576-2264590

Location: This place, also called Kaalinga Madu Karai or Thirukkaarikkarai is in the Chennai – Thirupathi route, after Suruttappalli and Nagalapuram, about 5 km from Nagalapuram. Picturesque mountains and sylvan scenery add beauty to the place.Main Deity: Sri Vaaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Maragadhambikai. Though this is a Shiva temple, the prime deity here is Sri Kala Bhairavar, also called as Santhaana Praapthi Bhairavar.Legend: At the behest of Rama, Anjaneya was making his way by air with a Shivalingam taken from Kasi to Rameswaram to be installed there. He was surprisingly confronted by strange and dry weather and scorching sun premeditated by Lord Kalabhairava, who wanted the Linga to be installed right here at his place. Unaware of this and driven by thirst Lord Anjaneya went on screening the whole area for water until finally found a beautiful calm cool pond. As the Linga was not to be placed anywhere before Rameswaram He looked for someone to keep the Linga while He drank water. Lord Kalabhairava in the form of a small boy came by and consented to hold the Linga. While Anjaneya was quenching his thirst, the boy told Anjaneya, that the Shiva Lingam was too heavy for him to hold anymore and kept it on the ground and went off. Anjaneya came back and saw the Shiva Lingam on the ground. He tried lifting it but he couldn’t. He roped around the Shiva Lingam with his lengthy tail and tried to pull it up using all his strength. The Shiva Lingam tilted a bit but never came off the ground. Anjaneya understood the trick and he cursed the pond to become a hill. The pond became the hill here, on which a Murugan Temple is situated now. The Shiva Lingam which was brought by Lord Anjaneyar is situated in the temple at the foot hill. Since Anjaneya tried to pull the Shiva Lingam with his tail, the Lord here is called as Vaaleeswarar (Vaal means Tail in Tamil & Vaalam is the Sanskrit word for tail) .Temple: Two ancient temples, one at the foot-hill dedicated to Lord Kalabhairava and the other at the hill top dedicated to Lord Muruga. Water is coming out from Nandhi’s mouth perennially, the source being unknown; The temple is being maintained by Archeology department of Andhra Pradesh. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Ishana face of Lord Shiva.Worship Benefit: Bairavar here is called Santhaana Praapthi Bhairavar, famous for granting boon for child birth.

A beautiful place with great legendary significance. Excellent and intricate sculptural works. A Nadi jothida Parihara sthalam as well. Annadhana pariharam (serving food to the needy) here, paves way for moksha. Saint Agasthiar had stayed here for a long time and conducted five(pancha) yagnas(Ishti) and so is this place called Pancheshti. Agasthiar was so attached to this place that he didn’t want to return to Kailasam after his work was over. Only Lord Shiva could finally convinced him. The ambal deity is of Maragatha stone. Since the place is blessd with Agasthiar, this has enough ground water to supply Chennai during the needy conditions.

In the Chennai – Kolkatta highway, at 30th km from Chennai after the Karanodai bridge (Tollgate) and before Thachur Cross road to the right of highway.

History of the temple has that Lava and Kusa, the sons of Rama lived in this place and prayed to Lord Muruga at this place and got his darshan. Once when Rama was passing through this place, they have fought a war with Rama himself without knowing that he was their father. As the young children waged a war here, the place was called as Siruvar Por Puri. (Siruvar means children, Por Puri means waging a war, in Thamizh). This place is now called as Chinnambedu, which originally was Siruvar Ambu Edu (Children who took their arrows for the fight). Other deities are Maragatha Vinayakar, Aadhi Murugar, Naagar, Venkatrayar, Muniswaraar, Bairavar etc.,

An unique feature of this temple is the Maragatha Mayil (Peacock) the carrier of Lord Muruga made of Green stone. Arunagirinathar has visited this temple and sung many Thiruppugazh songs here. He also has composed an Archanai Thiruppugazh on Lord Muruga, which if recited fulfils ones wishes.

This temple is considered very special to get the boon of an own house.

This ancient Perumal temple near the Siruvarpuri Murugan Temple was worshipped by Rama’s twins Lava & Kucha. Valmiki muni had the darshan of Lord Mahavishnu. He is as theenda thirumeni perumal since the bhattachariyar, even today, cannot touch the moolavar. On every Karthikai tamil month, thyla kappu (oil cover) is done to perumal. Swami is great varprasadi. The Urchavar, a Saligrama vigraham, is called as Prana Harthi Haran. He is also called as Kannoli perumal since eye related problems are solved by worshipping Him. Hanuman here is Swayambhu.

Sri Sampangee Pichaleeswara in the banks of araniyar is a beautiful temple with historic values. Rishis worshipped with sambangi flowers and attained their wishes. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in this region (Ponneri / Uthukkottai) representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Vamadheva face of Lord Shiva and the place is called Vamadhevapuram.

This 6000 years old temple is present in the Kokatta highways at around 35 kms from Chennai near Kavarapettai at the banks of Araniyar. Lord Krishna stood here as a Aswatha tree for 1000 years. Water, believed to be from River Ganges, is flowing out perennially from a pit all though the year, though in small quantity. Due to this, the place is considered more sacred than Kasi. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Sadhyojatha face of Lord Shiva.

The legend of this temple goes back to Mahabaratha and associated with the birth of Krishna.When Kamsa was killing all the new born of Devaki, Krishna was born as the eight child. He then asked his father Vasudeva to take him to Nandagopala. From Nandagopala’s wife a beautiful girl was born and she was transferred to the jail where Devaki and Vasudeva were jailed. Kamsa came and saw the child and found it to be a female baby. Still he tried to kill her but the child became Shakti and came to this place.

In the Kolkatta highway, a few kms after the tollgate you will come across the Thachur cross road. Here you have to take a right turn and travel further for 2 kms and you will see the temple arch. The temple is 1 km inside. This an ancient and very popular Murugan temple in this region. This is one of the Murugan temples glorified by Sri Arunagiri nadhar’s Thiruppugazh.

Tiruayarpadi is three km from Ponneri, which has an ancient temple in which the deity is called Karikrishna Perumal. The Lord here is Swayambhu Murthy (self evolved).There is an ant hill present inside the temple. Usually, we can see such ant hill only in Amman temples. But this is possibly the only Vishnu temple which has an ant hill. The main deity is said to be evolved from this ant hill only.The Lord here is seen as a Yadhava (shepherd), with His right hand holding a shepherd’s whip and left hand rested on the hip. The Lord has Amrutha Kalasam (bowl containing celestial nectar) on His head.The Lord does not have any Peetam or base and seen standing on the floor, in a tilted posture with one of his leg a bit away.

Outside the temple is a mandapam, an architectural marvel with 16 stone pillars, all slanting in different directions, built that way purposely, for the reason that the main deity here is standing in a tilted position.

The Lord is worshipped here by childless couples to be blessed with a child. It is considered as a Prarthana Sthalam for the childless.

The temple at a place called Chinna Kavanam 3 kms from Ponneri has a 2500 years old rare tree called Eru Azhinjil (or ankola) which has an unique importance. Its fruit ripens, falls on the ground and after the essense is eaten by ants and other insects, the seeds get attracted to the parent tree like a magnet signifying that the final destination of the human beings being the lotus feet of the lord.

When Agasthiar worshipped Lord Shiva with a hand made lingam from the river sand with a lingam per day for 108 days, on the final day, all the 108 lingams got merged into a Vinayagar and is present under the Ankola tree as a Swayambu Vinayahar.

This is located near Ponneri in the northeast direction towards Thiruppalaivanam. The Murugan Temple here has a 6.5 feet murugan along with his consorts valli with kondai and deivanai with greedam. This is one of the three famous Murugan Temples in this region. The other two are being Siruvarpuri and Andarkuppam.

Location: 10 kms from Ponneri en route Pazhaverkad (Pulicat)Legend: When milky ocean was churned for Amirtham, the amirtham was made to a Shivalingam and worshipped by Devars here; Worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and Markandeyar; Shiva appeared from a Pala tree and gave dharshan to Rajendra Chola ITemple: Since the temple is connected with the legend of Pradhosham, Pradhosha pooja is very special and is considered to give all wealth. It is also considered a Parihara sthalam.Theertham: Devars, after consuming the Amirtham washed their hands at the temple tank here. Demons wanted to drink the water mixed with Amirtham by taking the form of frogs. Realising this, Devars made the temple tank such that it is not livable for frogs and other insects. So even today, frogs and other water living animals can not be seen in the tank.

This temple is at Kattur in the Minjur-Pulicat route and the place is called South Gokaranam alias Chinthamaneeswaram. If we go from chinna kavanam-pulicate route we should go to Kattur and from there we need to go by boat. This is the place where Brahma Aranya river merges with the sea. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Agora face of Lord Shiva.

It is an ancient temple built by Chola Kings. After the demise of the Chola kingdom this temple had been abandoned and buried under beach sand dunes for many centuries. The temple was discovered by the local people when it’s Kalasam emerged out. The temple has been excavated fully now and rejuvenated to its old glory.

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Responses

G S Krishnan, FCA, ACS
Very nice to know lot of temples. I used to visit shiva temples in between my professional work or in holidays and your blog is very helpful and guiding factor to me and many. Keep it up. My humble salutations for your noble service.

it is very nice to know lot of things about the temples before the visit. Really informative.Let emperuman give you more strength to explore more. SPIRITUAL WORK is really gift,You have been showered by it. KEEP GOING WE R FOLLOWING U

Very nice to go through your visit to enumerous temples
God has given the essential strentgh. I wish you to have good services to the Human beings through GOD – Unknown- Nature- Whatever we feel..
Thanks and best wishes
—
G M Rajendrangmra55@yahoo.com

Eeekkadu Pancha Varneswarar too has square peetam in his deity as like as Thirumoolanatha Swamy at Puzhal, Aavundeeswarar at Nemam. It is believed that there are 5 Shivalingams with square peetams, that show the Ukkiram of Lord Shiva, in Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram vicinity.

Hi,
I am very much interested in your blog. I recently visited Panchesti too. We are planning to visit Singeeswarar,thirumazhaisai,Garudakodi perumal temple this week end. I spoke to Kumaran gurukkal and got to know the timings. But we are not sure about the Singeeswarar temple timings. If you know please mail me at subha.ganeshan@gmail.com

I had been to the Sri Singeeswarar temple recently and I have the temple Gurukal Mr. Sridhar’s mobile number which I would like to share with you and he is ready to show the darshan of Lord shiva anytime in a day. His number is 9444943644.

why dont you give details of the ancient shiva temple called thirumoolanadhar samedha sornambigai temple about half a kilometer opposite puzhal jail. this is a very ancient temple parihara sthala, you have just mentioned about this temple but no details. please furnish details so that all can visit this powerful shiva temple 1500 years old and benefit. sesha kalyanaraman

I really appreciate your efforts in helping out people like me to get good guidance on these not-so-famous yet powerful, peaceful temples so close to Chennai. Credit goes to you on compiling information on directions, locations and more importantly for the history.

There are a few more temples between Ponneru – Minjur – Pazhavercadu.

Naidhavayal is a place 5-6 kms from Devadhanam on Kattur high road.

I happened to visit this old Shiva temple built by Chozhars( The Gurukkal said so).

The beauty is the Shivalingam made in spadikam stone called Agneeswarar with his consort Thirupurasundari. No Kodimarm/dwajasthambam or Gopuram.

The Karpoora Aaarathi is shown behind the Lingam instead of showing it in the front with the screen closed. Because the Lingam shines and glows like Jyothi. A must see.

Happy to append this with yours above. Thanks much for the opportunity.

we are planing to visit for new year 2013 at nearer chennai.Really i am very surprised that your information.Wov how many temples to visit… A great job sir. This is not easy to upload this much of information…

The blog is very beautiful, I also searching the details of a village near Arcot was gifted to one country doctor for curing the stomach pain of Arcot Nawab, if you come across such a ;thing, please email lto: sathiya1947@gmail.com. Thank you very much. – G. Sathiyanarayanan,
Chennai

I’d been to Nemam temple, thanks to you reference. A great temple and well maintained.

Next i went to Thiruvur village (in search of Aranvoyal temple) and I saw an excellent shiva temple, very ancient and well renovated&maintained.
The name of the temple is Singandeesvarar Temple Thiruvur.

It can be located in Google map. It is between Aranvoyal and sevvapettai. There is an Amman temple too in this village.

Dear All,
There is one more ancient temple missed out in this list. Which is Kadaleeshwarar temple in Thadur, Tiruttani-Sholighur Road. This is one of the Temple constructed by Pallavas of Kanchipuram.

Thadur : THE PLACE OF WATER SOURCE ( Neeradharam )

The ancient Village of North Tamil Nadu……..

Located 10 km from Tiruttani in west direction.

To thank The Kadaleshwarar for giving the water source for agriculture Annabhishekam is performed every Sunday. MAHA ANNAABHISHEKAM is performed once in year.
Prodhosha poojai & Sani Pradhosha poojai is performed wel here.

Maha RUDHRABHISHEKAM performed on Maha Shivarathri

Temple was renovated few years back, Now Sooryanar temple, Dhakshina moorthy , Ambigai, Shanmugar, chandigeshwarar temples are being constructed And Maha kumbabhishekam is held on 26th June 2012 to 29th June 2012.

My Name is Krishna. I am reading your blog. I’ve been once at Sri Amirthambikai samedha Aavundeeswarar Temple at Nemam. It was nice journey through bus. The contact person for this temple is Mr. Kumar 9840770248 who is actively involved in the renovation of the temple. The speciality of this temple is that Lingam is in Square type and one more of the same type is located is Puzal Thirumoolanathar swami temple near jain vidyashram school. Kindly keep updating your blog. Here below is my blog of my services

It is a yeomen service to knowledge seekers to know about our great heritage. I am from Ambattur (now settled elsewhere) Chennai. Could you let me know the old temples around this place. Thanks and God be always with you.

a great spritual work and every Hindu being should be thank ful to you…I travel lot of temples but I didnt take the pain of compiling and make it useful for others…
thanks for your work and you may pl release as a book.

if you want a team, pl let me know…similar interest people, including me, to support your great work…